What is the difference between KeePass and Proton Pass?

KeePass is best for Privacy-focused users wanting full control, while Proton Pass is best for Proton ecosystem users wanting integrated password management. KeePass starts at Free and Proton Pass starts at Free.

Is KeePass or Proton Pass cheaper?

KeePass starts at Free and is free. Proton Pass starts at Free with a free tier.

Is there a free alternative to Proton Pass?

Both KeePass and Proton Pass offer free tiers.

KeePass vs Proton Pass

KeePass is free, open-source, lightweight password manager that stores everything locally, while Proton Pass is open-source password manager with end-to-end encryption from the makers of ProtonMail. KeePass is built for privacy-focused users wanting full control, whereas Proton Pass targets proton ecosystem users wanting integrated password management.

At a glance

	KeePass	Proton Pass
Best for	Privacy-focused users wanting full control	Proton ecosystem users wanting integrated password management
Starting price	Free	Free
Free tier	✓	✓
Open source	✓	✓
Free tier available	✓	✓
Open source	✓	✓
2FA	—	✓
Aliases	—	✓
E2E Encryption	—	✓
Local Storage	✓	—
Open Source	✓	✓
Plugins	✓	—
Portable	✓	—

KeePass

Strengths

Open source and transparent
Includes Local Storage as a core feature, purpose-built for password manager workflows
Fully open-source — you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in
The core product is free with no paywalled essentials

Weaknesses

May lack some advanced features
Self-hosting is free but requires server maintenance and DevOps knowledge
Fewer built-in features means you may need additional tools to cover gaps
If you forget your master password, recovery options are limited by design

Try KeePass → Full review

Proton Pass

Strengths

Open source and transparent
End-to-end encryption by default — messages are unreadable even to the server operator
Fully open-source — you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in
Free unlimited passwords — generous enough for most small teams to get real work done

Weaknesses

Free plan has meaningful restrictions: free unlimited passwords
Fewer built-in features means you may need additional tools to cover gaps
If you forget your master password, recovery options are limited by design
Community support can be slower than the dedicated support teams at commercial alternatives

Try Proton Pass → Full review

The bottom line

Pricing: Both KeePass and Proton Pass are free. You can try both without spending a dollar.

Feature gaps: KeePass offers Local Storage, Plugins and Portable that Proton Pass lacks. Proton Pass brings 2FA, Aliases and E2E Encryption that KeePass does not have. Both share Open Source.

Team fit: Both tools target individuals teams, so the decision hinges on features and workflow fit rather than scale.

Open source: Both KeePass and Proton Pass are open source, so self-hosting and code audits are on the table with either choice.

Where each tool shines: KeePass's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes local storage as a core feature, purpose-built for password manager workflows. Proton Pass's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. end-to-end encryption by default — messages are unreadable even to the server operator.

Watch out for: With KeePass, users commonly note that may lack some advanced features. With Proton Pass, the main complaint is that free plan has meaningful restrictions: free unlimited passwords.

Choose KeePass if...

You need a tool built for privacy-focused users wanting full control
You specifically need Local Storage and Plugins
You care about includes local storage as a core feature, purpose-built for password manager workflows

Choose Proton Pass if...

You need a tool built for proton ecosystem users wanting integrated password management
You specifically need 2FA and Aliases
You care about end-to-end encryption by default — messages are unreadable even to the server operator
The free tier works for you: free unlimited passwords